Elevated lead level found at artificial turf field in N.J.

A “significantly elevated” level of lead was found at one of five artificial turf fields tested in New Jersey, according to a study summary.

The lead concentration did not approach health standards, but “the small number of fields sampled makes it difficult” to apply the state-funded study’s conclusions to other fields, the summary says.

Artificial turf fields, especially those older than three years, should be screened for lead, according to the August 2011 summary.

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a host of health effects in children, including behavioral problems and learning disabilities, and adults, including high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Researchers tried to contact school superintendents and officials at locations with nearly 50 turf fields, but were allowed to test only five, according to the study.

The goal was to conduct testing at 12 to 15 fields, the study says.

Officials cited concerns about potential litigation if anything was uncovered or the possibility of having to replace their fields, according to the study. One community was concerned that testing could void the warranty of its field.

What about protecting the health of children and adults who use artificial turf fields?

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About Todd B. Bates

Todd covers the environment and severe weather for the Asbury Park Press, which he joined on Earth Day in 1985. He's covered myriad environmental, energy, health, weather and scientific issues since 1980. He's taken graduate-level courses in environmental health, environmental risk assessment and public health. Todd, a finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service, is a member of the Investigations Team. Follow him at www.Twitter/ToddBBatesAPP, www.Facebook.com/ToddBBates, http://instagram.com/toddbbatesapp, www.toddbbatesapp.tumblr.com, or Google+ https://plus.google.com/+ToddBBates/

2 Responses to Elevated lead level found at artificial turf field in N.J.

John Hayes – It’s uneducated people like you that believe that this type of thing has no potential to affect children. There is more than one pathway to exposure. Obviously eating the stuff would be unlikely but small children have eaten stranger things. As these artificial turf field age and degrade will they leave lead on skin and clothing of the children that use them? Will lead particles run off into our waterways and affect the water we drink, the fish that live there and the other critter that eat the fish? You don’t know, do you? Don’t be so critical of things you know little about

Then it’s about time we INCREASE the fine for eating artificial turf. $1000!!!

Another problem easily solved.

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Todd B. BatesTodd covers the environment and severe weather for the Asbury Park Press, which he joined on Earth Day in 1985. He's covered myriad environmental, energy, health, weather and scientific issues since 1980. He's taken graduate-level courses in environmental health, environmental risk assessment and public health. Todd, a finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service, is a member of the Investigations Team. Follow him at www.Twitter/ToddBBatesAPP, www.Facebook.com/ToddBBates, http://instagram.com/toddbbatesapp, www.toddbbatesapp.tumblr.com, or Google+ https://plus.google.com/+ToddBBates/E-mail Todd